Shape of You

The recording

Ed Sheeran recorded the percussive acoustic guitar riff that drives “Shape of You” using a small acoustic guitar and a loop station. The pattern was played fingerstyle, with muted palm‑slaps and open‑string arpeggios, captured through a direct input or close microphone and layered in the DAW to create the repeating loop that forms the song’s rhythmic backbone.

Tuning Standard (EADGBE)·Strings Elixir Nanoweb .012-.054

Reported gear

Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar

Guitar

Sheeran’s percussive riff on “Shape of You” was performed on his Martin LX1E (Little Martin) acoustic, a compact 3/4‑size guitar he commonly uses for loop‑based parts.

Boss RC-30 Loop Station

Loop Pedal

A loop station was used to record and layer the repeating acoustic phrase; Sheeran frequently employs a Boss RC‑30 for his looping workflow, and the looping technique is evident on the track.

Alternatives

Yamaha FS800 Acoustic Guitar

Budget alternative · for the Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar

$180 to $250

Boss RC-2 Loop Station

Budget alternative · for the Boss RC-30 Loop Station

$80 to $120

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Play the riff with a percussive fingerstyle, using palm muting to create the rhythmic clicks.
2. 2.Record the phrase into a loop station and let it repeat while you add subtle variations.
3. 3.Place the guitar mic or DI close to the soundhole for a warm, balanced acoustic tone.
4. 4.Maintain a steady tempo; lock the loop in time before layering additional parts.